Vasopressin: Comprehensive Research Guide

Overview

Vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone, ADH) is a 9-amino acid peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. It plays crucial roles in water balance, blood pressure regulation, and social behavior.

Mechanism of Action

Water Balance

• **Antidiuretic': Reduces water excretion by kidneys
• **Water Reabsorption': Increases water reabsorption
• **Concentration': Concentrates urine
• **Thirst': Regulates thirst

Blood Pressure

• **Vasoconstriction': Constricts blood vessels
• **Blood Pressure': Increases blood pressure
• **Cardiac Function': Affects cardiac function

Social Behavior

• **Bonding': Involved in social bonding
• **Memory': Plays roles in memory formation
• **Stress': Modulates stress responses

Research Applications

Medical Applications

• **Diabetes Insipidus': Treatment of diabetes insipidus
• **Bleeding': Used to control bleeding
• **Shock': Treatment of shock

Behavioral Research

• **Social Behavior': Research into social bonding
• **Memory': Research into memory formation
• **Stress': Research into stress responses

Dosage

• **Medical': Dose varies by condition
• **Research': Dose-dependent, protocols vary
• **Administration': Intranasal, subcutaneous, or intravenous

Side Effects

• **Hypertension': High blood pressure possible
• **Water Retention': Fluid retention
• **Nausea': Possible nausea
• **Headache': Possible headaches

Storage

• **Temperature': 2-8°C (refrigerated)
• **Light': Protect from light
• **Stability': Relatively stable

This information is for research and educational purposes only. Vasopressin is a prescription medication.